RecStrats unveiled to Recreation Commission
Integration is the key in a draft plan called RECSTRATS that was introduced to the Recreation Commission on Tuesday. RECSTRATS is a vision for recreation in Mammoth and a strategic plan for its implementation. The plan was created by a local steering committee and facilitated by Carl Ribaudo of Strategic Marketing Group based in South Lake Tahoe and Danna Stroud. The Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation helped fund the process that delivered RECSTRATS, which is part of the Town Council’s Recreation Reorganization. The RecStarts process was approved by the Council in July and completed the work that was started with the MRRC (Mammoth Region Recreation Council) and MLR (Mammoth Lakes Recreation) processes.
Ribaudo explained to the Commission that the plan is meant to help create a sense of place for recreation by bringing governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector and user groups to the table, together. The ultimate goal is to make Mammoth the best alpine recreation community in the country. The plan includes seven core strategies that the steering committee believes cover anyone interested in any type of recreation in the Mammoth area.
The seven core strategies are: winter recreation activities, non-winter recreation activities, municipal sports and recreation, trails, special events, high altitude training, and arts and culture. Each strategy has a series of implementation steps, according to Ribaudo.
“The core strategies need to work together and cross-pollinate,” Ribaudo explained. “Mammoth’s small size should work for you because it is easier to work together and leverage [funds].” Ribaudo was referring to the approximately $20 million in funds that Mammoth is expecting to receive from measures R and U in the next 10 years.
Ribaudo suggested that Mammoth rally together to lobby for funding from Washington D.C. as Tahoe has. Executive Director of MLTPA, John Wentworth agreed and told The Sheet, “I can’t go to Washington by myself, neither can you, but if we join forces we could get somewhere.”
“I am really proud of this document,” said Recreation Commissioner Tony Colasardo. “It defines the recreation element in Mammoth and identifies agencies and user groups.”
Mammoth local and sports enthusiast John Armstrong agreed. “Congratulations. You have created a plan that’s not too long and provides a long-term view. Perhaps you should start looking at it in the terms of 20/20 recreation.” Armstrong was referring to looking at where Mammoth recreation will be in 10 years, the amount of money available, and the vision of what Mammoth wants to be.
The Commission unanimously approved recommending the plan to the Town Council. Click here to download and view the DRAFT RECSTRATS plan.
